The New York Jets have addressed their secondary by acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. The trade comes before the start of free agency on Monday, according to sources.
The Jets will send a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Chargers to the Dolphins. Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro Bowl safety, will sign a three-year, $40 million contract with New York, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The trade cannot be processed until Wednesday.
Fitzpatrick had one year, $15.6 million remaining on his contract with Miami.
Jets Continue Defensive Overhaul
This marks the second offseason trade for the Jets as they aim to rebuild their defense. Two weeks ago, they acquired nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
The Jets are looking to improve their defence after going an entire season without an interception. Fitzpatrick has 21 career interceptions. However, his ball production has decreased recently with only two interceptions in the past three seasons.
Fitzpatrick’s Career to Date
Fitzpatrick started 14 games in 2025, recording one interception, 82 tackles and six passes defensed. He has been named to five Pro Bowls, one during his first stint with the Dolphins and four with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was reacquired by the Dolphins in 2025.
- Fitzpatrick was drafted by the Dolphins in 2018.
- He was the 11th pick.
- He was traded to the Steelers a year later.
The trade to the Steelers followed a dispute with then-coach Brian Flores over his position and role on the team. During his six seasons in Pittsburgh, he was named to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.
In 2022, Fitzpatrick signed a four-year, $73.6 million extension with the Steelers, making him the league’s highest-paid safety. Across eight NFL seasons, Fitzpatrick has 690 tackles, 21 career interceptions and six forced fumbles.
Familiar Faces in New York
There is existing familiarity with Fitzpatrick within the Jets’ coaching staff. Two new members of the Jets’ coaching staff, defensive coordinator Brian Duker and safeties coach Ryan Slowik, previously worked with him in Miami.
The Jets are making changes to their safety position. Former starters Andre Cisco and Tony Adams are free agents and are not expected to return. They also have second-year safety Malachi Moore, who started 14 games last season. Moore is also an Alabama product, like Fitzpatrick.
ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques contributed to this report.